Life continues, despite the little bumps that only make you stronger!

This winter break can't come soon enough! A break from work as a whole would be a great blessing, as well to coming back to the work world (and all three jobs) rejuvenated and refreshed. I can’t count my blessings enough to have three jobs, though I often hope that one job will satisfy the bills, payments, and daily expenses soon enough.

As many of you know, I have been substituting for 3 years and continue to push through every day in hopes that I will land a job using my degree. Sooner than later would be amazing, though I know it will happen at the right time when God wants it to happen. And this brings me to my next topic…

 Last week, I had an interview with Lake Washington School District for a 5th grade long term position starting in February. The interview went well and I felt more confident about the interview than previous interviews I've had in the past. Unfortunately, I didn't land the job and I have to rely on God that it just wasn’t the right fit for me. As I’m trying to keep my head above water in the job world, and yes I’m struggling to do so, I yet again am thankful for the principal who interviewed me to offer a follow up interview on where I can improve. I appreciate her more than anything right now, as often principals or employers don’t even consider wasting time to help others. So, yes, in conclusion this is a small blessing to help me on my way to landing the “perfect” job, even though anything permanent would be perfect in my eyes right now!

On focusing on life, other than work, the countdown to see Justin continues and is down to five days! Oh… and Maxx too (remember he’s our dog). I gave Justin the packing list for Maxx last week and the comment I got back was, “yeah I know what to pack for him-food, sweaters, kennel, leash and toys.” I’m laughing as I type this, Maxx literally sounds like a child. Let me just say this, Maxx is spoiled rotten and pretty much could be our child with the way Justin and I spoil him. Besides the fact, Justin and Maxx will have a nice bonding moment during the 9 hour car ride to my parent’s house in Chelan.

Upon arrival to Chelan, Maxx may be a little distraught as one of the family members is no longer with us. Nike, my family’s German Shorthair, was 15 when she suffered a severe stroke last week and my mom had to put her down. As my sister’s Boxer still resides with my parents I can only imagine how excited Whitten will be when Maxx arrives. Let’s just say, Whitten sees Maxx as a chew toy and last Christmas Justin and I caught Whitten with Maxx’s head in her mouth. Not just Maxx’s snout, Maxx’s whole head! Let’s just say this Christmas we will have an eye on the situation when they are wrestling.

As December continues to roll around, December 17^th always remains a day of silence for my family and I, as well as a time to be thankful for God and miracles. December 17^th marks the 13^th anniversary to be thankful that God does have living angels among us, my dad. Thirteen years ago tomorrow, my dad suffered a serve brain injury on the job. He continues to amaze us through his dedication to our family and willingness to be stubborn on many levels, just like me! Sorry Justin, I take after my dad-I learn from the best! With this being said I cannot again thank those around me for their love and continued support.

 Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays from the Kestersons

 We are excited to announce, that yes, Justin and I in fact have a blog (maybe Justin won’t be so excited that I’ve started it, but we always are getting so many questions as what we are both up too). I figured a blog, would be a great way to keep everyone informed, especially since we are coming up on the holiday season. 
As Justin and I continue to live apart (not by choice!), we see light hopefully nearing at the end of the tunnel. Our marriage apart has taught us patience in everyday life, especially when we can’t get a hold of each other, and also that communication is a huge aspect in any relationship, including our marriage. We both often mention, in between the many “I love you’s”, that we wouldn’t be able to be apart if we didn’t have communication and trust.

I am continuously busy, and substitute every day in the Shoreline School District. On a given night, I don't usually get to go home after school. I also coach volleyball for an 18’s elite club team here in Edmonds, WA (about 40 minutes from the Berta’s house) or work at PotteryBarn. Sometimes I do all three within a given weekend. With that schedule, I rarely find time for myself, but when I do have time I’m bored. Many of you who know me well, can definitely picture me never having a dull moment in life-and here I am making a blog therefore, I'm bored!

On Thursday of last week I received some very good news. I'm still flabbergasted! I was selected to interview with Lake Washington School District, in Kirkland, for a 5th grade long term position. This interview was a blessing, and I appreciated even being given the chance to interview after I have been a substitute for 3 years. I should find out early next week. If it doesn’t work out, yes, I will be slightly bummed, though I know in my heart that someday I will have a chance to shine and it just wasn’t meant to be. Also, on another positive note, I will still continue to work every day no matter what district I am in!

As I continue to miss Justin and Maxx (our dog), I don’t miss the cold weather in Billings, Montana. Justin is working hard at his job as an Assistant Sports Information Director, at Montana State University, Billings. He is in the midst of Men’s basketball season, and his nights consist of staying late for games, typing stories, and posting photos. He has spent many evenings shoveling snow, especially when I was there for the Thanksgiving holiday. I know he works hard keeping the driveway clear as I watched him from the living room window Thanksgiving day! He wants a snow blower, though I keep reminding him that muscles don't form themselves, and we won't need a snow blower in a couple of years-or next year depending where we are.  

Justin spends the evenings off with friends around the Billings area, and hanging out with Maxx. Maxx and Justin often bond when Maxx finds a way out of the yard. It’s a game Maxx loves, but Justin and I both despise it! We have come to the realization, it’s cold enough for him to freeze, therefore, "he’ll come back" (and yet I still look for him when I’m in Billings and I believe Justin does too!). I often chuckle when I remember Justin saying, “I will never walk a dog as small as Maxx!” Little did he know we would be married a year later and he includes Maxx on almost all adventures and speaks about “our little family”-Justin, Maxx and I.

As we gear up for the holiday season, we want to thank our family and friends for all the love and support they have given us. We are blessed each and every day and will be happy to spend the holiday together in Chelan, Washington, with my parents, sister and brother.